Poole is a beautiful place to live, with its stunning coastline, inviting beaches and striking harbour, it’s the perfect setting for a home with coastal charm. If you live a stone’s throw from the harbour or just want to bring a high-end coastal vibe to your home, the right interior design choices can transform it into a calming sanctuary. Being a high-end residential designer in Poole, it is our speciality to create luxury, comfortable homes which reflect the beauty of the Dorset coast.
The best place to start is with the right colour palette. Using soft warm whites and creams creates a calming, uplifting feel and are great base colours. Adding blues and greens brings in the sea views whilst also having warm sandy colours and taupe helps to ground the space, bringing depth and warmth. It is best to layer these colours via the walls, fabrics, accessories, artwork and flooring to create a well-planned, finished feel. I also love using coral hues within the coastal style, bringing a pop of colour to the space.
Using materials found in nature really pulls this style together. I would incorporate rattan, wicker, driftwood and high-quality linen. Using natural stone or marble countertops will add that luxury finish whilst also creating a relaxed feel. Combining these textures allows for a warm, authentic coastal home whilst keeping a refined, timeless feel.
I would avoid a nautical ‘theme’ to your home and instead create a suggestion of the style. Adding striped cushions or high-end seascape artwork can be a very effective way to achieve this. Using local artists or photographers can make a big impression in your home and also give back to your local community. Adding locally-sourced driftwood or coral accent colours allows for that elegant finish and having wooden floors with a cosy rug gives the room a warm and inviting feel.
A big perk of living in Poole is being able to have an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, enabling your home to connect with its outside space allows the spirit of a ‘coastal home’ to flourish. Installing large bi-fold doors which open onto the garden or patio will connect the spaces seamlessly. If possible, install a level threshold as this will expand your living space. Make sure to create harmony between the two areas, allowing your outside space to reflect inside. You can achieve this by using similar materials like natural stone and weathered wood between the two spaces. Using similar flooring indoors and out can really help with connecting the spaces, just make sure to use a higher slip-resistant finish outside. These changes will allow you to enjoy the spaces all year round.
A truly luxurious coastal home is more than just aesthetically pleasing—it should be the happy place which re-centres your nervous system and allows you to fully relax. Having comfortable, over-sized sofas, adding throws and layered textures adds warmth and cosiness. I would add multi-functional furniture, such as extendable dining tables as it will allow for entertaining without cluttering up the space. The aim is to create an atmosphere where every detail develops a sense of peace and effortless luxury.
When designing a coastal home in Poole we aim to offer a full sensory experience. Soft, warm lighting, such as dimmable lamps and well-placed LEDs creates an inviting atmosphere. Keeping acoustics in mind by layering soft textiles to absorb excess noise, ensures a tranquil feel. Even adding coastal-inspired scents can subtly enhance the ambiance, reinforcing the serene and rejuvenating feel of the home.
Creating a luxurious yet relaxed coastal home requires a thoughtful balance of colour, texture, and functionality. At Harmony Design Ltd, we specialise in designing bespoke interiors that enhance well-being while embracing the natural beauty of your surroundings. If you’re looking for a high-end residential Interior Designer in Poole to transform your home into a coastal retreat, we’d love to help.
Written by Joanna Sque
